NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
After a forgettable first half, USMNT fans were left scared when star Christian Pulisic did not return for the second half of the United States’ World Cup opener against Paraguay.
The Hershey, Pa. native, who plays club soccer for AC Milan, contributed to the United States’ second goal, scored by Folarin Balogun, and was one of the team’s standout players throughout the first half.
However, when the team emerged from the tunnel, it was revealed that Pulisic had been replaced in favor of Sebastian Berhalter, son of former USMNT player and coach Gregg Berhalter.
WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE
USMNT star Christian Pulisic was replaced before the second half of the team’s World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Gary Vasquez-Imagn Images)
The thing is, the team hasn’t given any reason why the change was made.
It was reported on FOX Sports that Pulisic told his family in the stands that he was fine.
After the United States capped off their 4-1 victory, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino explained why the star was replaced. According to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, Pochettino said that Pulisic took a kick to the calf which caused some strain, and that the decision to remove him was purely preventative.
THE NEW FOX ONE WORLD CUP WATCHING EXPERIENCE
Part of the fans’ concerns stemmed from Pulisic’s recent injuries. He missed last summer’s Gold Cup to rest after making 50 club appearances for AC Milan.
The following season, he suffered several injuries. Most recently, according to ESPN, he missed a game last month due to a lower back issue.
Christian Pulisic had an assist in the first half of the USMNT World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Pulisic is a key part of the USMNT, and his absence was noticeable in the second half.
While Pochettino said the substitution was purely preventative, American fans will likely remain worried until Pulisic is back on the pitch and fully healthy.
